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How to Fix Microsoft Word Editor Similarity Checker Stuck

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs a solution for the Microsoft Word Editor Similarity Checker hanging and failing to complete its scan.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Editor Similarity Checker Stuck

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Checking a document for plagiarism or text similarity using the Word Editor tool.
Observed behavior: The checker remains on 'Checking for similarity' for several minutes and then displays a 'Try again' error, even though other Editor functions like scores and corrections continue to work normally.

Before you start

Verify that you have a stable and active internet connection, as the Similarity Checker requires continuous access to Microsoft cloud servers to analyze your document.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Network Connection and Microsoft Service Health

Because the similarity checker relies on cloud services, you must ensure there are no network restrictions or ongoing Microsoft service outages causing the timeout.

The Similarity Checker communicates directly with Microsoft's servers. If your school or organization's network firewall blocks certain traffic, or if Microsoft's servers are down, the tool will hang and eventually time out.

Test on a different network

Connect your device to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot or a home Wi-Fi network, to rule out strict firewall rules often found on school or enterprise networks.

Check Microsoft Service Health

Visit the official Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard or their public status page to see if there is an ongoing incident affecting Word Editor cloud services.

Test multiple documents

Create a brand new blank document, type a few sentences, and run the Similarity Checker. This helps determine if the issue is isolated to a specific corrupted file or applies to the entire application.

Verify Network Connection and Microsoft Service Health

Cloud Dependency: Even if other Editor features like spelling and grammar are working, the Similarity Checker uses a separate cloud infrastructure that may experience isolated outages.

Solution 2

Report the Issue to Your IT Administrator or Microsoft Support

If the issue persists across all documents and networks, especially on school or enterprise accounts, it may require administrative intervention or an escalated bug report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Word similarity checker say 'Try again'?

This error usually indicates a connection timeout between your Microsoft Word application and Microsoft's cloud servers. It can be caused by strict network firewalls, slow internet speeds, or an ongoing server-side outage at Microsoft.

Does the Word Editor Similarity Checker work offline?

No, the Microsoft Word Editor Similarity Checker requires an active and stable internet connection to function. It must communicate with online databases to compare your text against web sources.

How do I check my Microsoft Word version?

To check your version, open Microsoft Word, click 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Your version and build number will be clearly displayed under the 'About Word' section.

Why do grammar corrections work but the similarity checker fails?

Basic grammar and spelling corrections are often processed locally on your device or via a different set of microservices. The Similarity Checker relies on a distinct, heavily resource-intensive cloud service that may experience separate downtime or connectivity blocks.

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